Delhi Dialogue VIII begins today
The eighth Delhi Dialogue began in Delhi, to discuss politico-security, economic and socio-cultural engagement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, and India. The theme for this year's dialogue is 'ASEAN-India Relations: A New Paradigm'. Distinguished guests include Sufian Jalil, Minister for National Development Planning of Indonesia, Tin Oo Lwin, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs from Myanmar, Ministers from Thailand, Lao PDR, etc,.
The 'Delhi Dialogue' is a premier annual Track 1.5 event to discuss political, security, economic and socio-cultural engagements between ASEAN and India. It has been held annually since 2009. Over the years, Delhi Dialogue has emerged as a pre-eminent forum for political leaders, policy makers, researchers, academicians, business leaders and media persons to brainstorm on a range of issues pertaining to ASEAN-India relations.
Track 1.5 diplomacy is a situation in which official and non-official actors work together. It is similar to Track 1, not in an official status but in the framework of informal dialogues
The eighth edition of 'Delhi Dialogue' will be held in New Delhi from the 17th to 19th of February, 2016. It will be hosted by the MEA in partnership with IDSA, FICCI and other select Indian and ASEAN partners For the first time the Dialogue will be spread over three days, dedicating one day each for its three sessions-Business, Ministerial and Academic.
Day 1 will be a full-day business session addressed by the Presidents of all three national business chambers (CII, FICII, ASSOCHAM). Day 2, the ministerial session would be hosted by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The academic session on Day 3 will include discussions between scholars and opinion-makers on issues like Asean and the security of Asia-Pacific and Asean-India and ocean economy dynamics.
The impact of U.S.-led mega trading and political blocs on India-ASEAN ties is likely to be the highlight of Delhi Dialogue VIII. The process of joining the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) by several countries in Southeast Asia has highlighted the conflicting segments in the Southeast Asian region. Delhi Dialogue will provide a chance to assess how India has to adjust to these emerging blocs.
TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) is a free trade agreement among twelve Pacific Rim countries signed on 4 February 2016. South East Asian countries including Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore are part of the TPP.
